It’s the day before Mother’s Day, and I’m writing this from my daughter Dove’s couch. She’s in Vancouver filming Descendants 3, and I’m taking care of her cats while she’s away.
Even when our kids grow up and into amazing, independent beings, they still need support. Love in action.
Moms are the classic source of this kind of love – selfless, mundane, and crucial. So much of what makes the world work are the unglamorous, repetitive acts of love and support that we provide our kids.
At the same time, we are listening for the greatness in them, and reflecting that back so they can see it for themselves and believe in it. We are a mirror for our kids, and they see in themselves what we see.
To hold the space for what is possible for someone is a supreme act of love. When they are ready, they can step into that space and claim it as their own.
And while mothers may be the champions of this crazy dual act — the simultaneous juggling of laundry and carpools and wisdom and comfort – we are not the only ones who take this on. Mothers come in many different forms, and the relationships aren’t always biological. And people who “mother” are not always female.
I want to give a little shout-out to all the people who show up to support the ones they love. To do the necessary, and to nurture. To hold the space for what’s possible.
This includes the people who nurture the nurturers.
It takes energy and faith to provide the sometimes-heroic support that mothers do, and the people who support us are just as necessary to the health of a child, a family, a community, and the planet.
I am blessed to have true, nurturing support from my friends and family, and a wonderful man. And from my children too, who are returning the favor now that they are young adults.
Love in action. May we give it and receive it and be it.
Happy Mother’s Day.
Did you enjoy this post? You might enjoy this one too: Zen and the Art of Professional Acting
My book, The Hollywood Parents Guide, available on Amazon contains everything I wish I’d known when Dove and I started this journey, and will save you untold amounts of time, money, and stress. Full of information you MUST know, it also features stories from parents of other kids who’ve made it!
Or book a session consulting with me to come up with an individualized plan that takes your own unique needs into account. For about the cost of an hour with a professional acting coach, you can get your questions answered and a road map to help you move forward toward your dream.
Invest a little in your kid’s future today.
PS– here’s a link to a little interview I found charming, inspiring, and moving:
How these mothers raised stars: The mothers of “Hamilton” composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, “Selma” director Ava DuVernay and “Insecure” actress Issa Rae talk about advice they gave their children and how they supported them.
Worth your 3 minutes to watch.